Calcium imaging is a technique that utilizes calcium ion indicators to monitor calcium concentrations within cells, tissues, or media. This method is extensively employed to study calcium signaling during neuronal activity, both in vivo and in vitro. Calcium indicators fall into two main categories: chemical indicators and genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs).

Chemical Indicators are small molecules designed to bind calcium ions. They are typically based on BAPTA, an EGTA analog, which offers high selectivity for calcium (Ca2+) over magnesium (Mg2+) ions. Commonly used chemical indicators include Oregon Green-1, Fura-2, Indo-1, Fluo-3, and Fluo-4.

Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators (GECIs) are fluorescent proteins engineered from green fluorescent protein (GFP) or its variants, fused with calmodulin (CaM) and the M13 peptide. These proteins can be easily introduced into cells, allowing for non-invasive, in vivo measurements. This makes GECIs particularly useful for imaging neural activity, T-cells, and other cell types. Some of the most commonly used GECIs are listed below.

 

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